Trustworthy Stewards

Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 (The Message)
^1-4Don't imagine us leaders to be something we aren't. We are servants of Christ, not his masters. We are guides into God's most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them. The requirements for a good guide are reliability and accurate knowledge. It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don't even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless. I'm not aware of anything that would disqualify me from being a good guide for you, but that doesn't mean much. The Master makes that judgment.
 ⁵So don't get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the "Well done!" of God.

For Reflection: Leaders are servants of Christ -- guides to the secrets of God.  How reliable is your guidance, how accurate your knowledge?  Have you, like Paul, given up your concept of yourself and in its place housed God?  What seems to be important is what motivates us, our purpose and our prayers.  Only God is capable of judging us.  We cannot.

Pray that you have made yourself a residing place for God.  Give thanks for the opportunity to guide others to trust in the Lord.  Pray that you refrain from judging yourself and others.  Pray so that you can listen to the God inside you.